Review JAL's Sakura Lounge at T3 Haneda

Oddities of the ITA Airways situation. in the intervening period between leaving SkyTeam and entry into Star Alliance.

From 2022, that is, since the Italian airline started flights with the capital of Japan, AZ passengers were being accommodated in the beautiful lounge of Delta. At the time of writing this review (January 15) has not yet joined the new alliance and, although it flies codeshare with ANA, passengers are invited to the lounge of Japan Airlines, which is a company oneworld.

Location

We are located near the gate 147, the main block of lounges at this airport is concentrated here: there is the Delta Sky Club at 5th floor, the lounge of Cathay Pacific at 6°, the Centurion by American Express at 4° and precisely the two Sakura by JAL, one at the 4° and the Skyview at 5°.

Access

Normally you enter this room if you are flying JAL or any other carrier oneworld, but companies then make deals 1:1 and thus also with ITA.

TFCanswers: What are the rules for entering lounges.

The requirement is, as always in these lounges, the status or the business card.

The hall

Past the reception desk you enter the hall, which is a huge open space which for more than 70% Has a glass wall. This means not only views of the main area of the movements of the T3, but most importantly lots of light.

I soft colors of furniture and unglazed walls do the rest: the environment is very relaxing.

Of course, like all open spaces, when it is crowded it can get noisy, especially when flight passengers arrive AZ793.

Breaking up the environments are the areas of the buffet in the center and walls in the middle of the main hall that slightly divide the two areas, creating mostly a soundproof barrier.

The most beautiful area (for me) are the Individual tables facing the runway; sure, had they been a tad higher they would also have been perfect for working with.

But, if you want, at either end there are just areas with more comfortable seating and the same view.

In general, however, there are sofas, armchairs, chairs and any other possible arrangements for waiting in tranquility one's own flight.

Honorable mention for the bathrooms, obviously hypertechnological tablet, designed for each passenger and impeccable cleanliness.

Food&Beverage

Being a large lounge, so potentially very crowded, there are two areas dedicated to food separate and mirrored in their offerings. The main one is certainly also the most aesthetically pleasing, but in this case it is theoffer that matters.

It certainly does not have the sushi man who makes your favorite nigiri on the spot as in the JAL lounge of First, So you can't expect the moon. What is missing, for a Japanese hall, is the noodle station, which is often the case in Asia instead.

Also varied and complete is thedrink offer, spirits and super spirits. Also because. here we drink (a lot).

In conclusion

Great location, nice view, complete gastronomic offer e impeccable staff, as always in Japan.

The verdict

The competition at this airport is strong, and I have to say that from a company like JAL, at its airport, I definitely expected better. I can't say it's bad, but a little bit more substance wouldn't have bothered me

7

Rated Location

7.5

F&B

6.5

Services

6.5

Pro

• The view
• Clean and tidy even when crowded

Against

• A noodle station is missing